Strat/variax transplant

[Worshipguitarist85]

Hey guys, I'm looking to build my own custom Dream guitar. I've recently became interested in this variax transplant thing. I've seen several videos on YouTube of guys who have built their own variax hybrid using electronics from earlier models such as 500,600 & 700. I was wanting to know if anyone on here has made one before.

 

[stratamania]

I haven't made one but may do in the future. Personally I would not bother with the 500, 600 & 700 range as they are the first generation modelling wise.

There is now a Yamaha built Variax that is reasonably priced. The Tyler non US ones I have also seen at offer prices in the UK recently.

I do wonder if the current Yamaha will remain the more entry level Variax. With the forthcoming introduction of the Helix floor modeller, that could also mean a newer higher end Variax in the works. Who knows at this point though.

From what I've read Warmoth necks will fit onto some of the current range of Variax.

But what direction were you looking at taking the idea ?

Body and neck ?

trem or fixed bridge ?

If you want a Warmoth body you would need to do some routing or have it done to accommodate the electronics.

 

[line6man]

I haven't made one but may do in the future. Personally I would not bother with the 500, 600 & 700 range as they are the first generation modelling wise.

I thought that the Tyler models were 100% different from the previous lines? Personally, I would stick with the old line.

In any case, the difficulty level of a transplant depends on which model you are taking the electronics from.

 

[pabloman]

There's been some conversions done in the if I remember correctly.  Use the search feature. I think Warmoth used to even route for it. Don't quote me though.

 

[line6man]

There's been some conversions done in the if I remember correctly.  Use the search feature. I think Warmoth used to even route for it. Don't quote me though.

Yes, there used to be a Variax body. It has been discontinued for quite some time. Someone had a completed transplant build for sale recently, though.

 

[pabloman]

I think they would even route a Strat and Tele for Variax electronics.

 

[stratamania]

I haven't made one but may do in the future. Personally I would not bother with the 500, 600 & 700 range as they are the first generation modelling wise.

I thought that the Tyler models were 100% different from the previous lines? Personally, I would stick with the old line.

In any case, the difficulty level of a transplant depends on which model you are taking the electronics from.

Yes they are different the 500 - 700 ranges were the first models with only modelling.

The later Variax, Tyler & Yamaha Standard Variax have HD modelling from about 5 years ago and Magnetic pickups in addition to the modelling side. So yes there would be more wiring involved with one of these.

I have a feeling that a third generation of Variax could happen in the coming months. But it's just a guess.

I also noticed recently that Jennifer Batten, who used to play with Jeff Beck and Michael Jackson is using a variax 69. I've no idea if it's Korean or US, but it's modded quite a bit.

In this video you can see the neck has a strat headstock and the tell tale gotoh side adjust for the truss rod.  Looks fairly certain it is a Warmoth modern construction neck.

Other mods appear to be the magnetic pickups are swapped out. Also the tremolo is a Floyd type which isn't standard. I suspect this is a Graphtech LB63.

There's also a Fishman triple play mounted on the guitar but I would count that as an addition versus a mod.

[youtube]x_pUJ8UH4EE[/youtube]

Cool guitar.

 

[Worshipguitarist85]

I'm wanting to go with a floating tremolo. So I think I might just buy a used JTV 69 and use the hardware from it. The warmoth body I want to go with is mahogany  with a flamed maple top. Blue burst finish. Phat cat/bare knuckle the bridge, vintage single coil in the middle and a Phat cat/bare knuckle in the neck.